You'll Never Guess the Weird Yet Brilliant Spot Rihanna Applies Her Highlighter

We're pretty sure Rihanna (all hail) wakes up with diamond-esque skin—even before her trademark trick of layering one, two, or even three highlighters atop her infamous cheekbones. Regardless, it's a stone-cold fact the singer and creator of Fenty Beauty knows a thing or two about take-a-bow highlighter application. And just when we think we've learned it all (please refer to the aforementioned triple-layer trick), we discover RiRi has even more super-stealth secrets in store (secrets we'll happily absorb like a sponge, thanks).

Thus, you can imagine our simultaneous curiosity and excitement when two of Fenty Beauty's global makeup artists disclosed their number one application tip when it comes to looking as luminous as Rihanna—especially, ahem, after sunset. During the Los Angeles reveal of the brand's just-launched Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Duos ($36 each), Fenty Beauty global makeup artists Priscilla Ono and Hector Espinal spilled a few of Rihanna's go-to highlighter application tips, one of which looks practically majestic paired with candlelight and/or a hot date. (Just sayin'.)

So what's the big secret? According to E!, your ears. Yep, just like sunscreen and foundation, your go-to highlighter would also like to be slathered all over this often-neglected body part.

"Anything that's exposed, we loving putting highlight or shimmer on," Espinal said. "Anything I do on the face, I do on the ears. If you're flirting and you just want to [slowly tuck your hair behind an ear], it can make an impact." 

Intriguing, no? And after performing a little bit of photo research of our own, we've 100% confirmed Rihanna has gorgeous, glowing ears. (Just look at that top photo if you don't believe us.) Inspired, we rounded up nine of our favorite highlighters we especially love come nightfall—and will now sweep across our naked lobes. Keep scrolling for our Friday night go-to's.

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Duo $36

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In three summer-ready color combos, this buzz-worthy drop from Fenty Beauty is sure to sweep beaches everywhere this season. We'll gladly be participating in the epidemic.

MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Gold Deposit $36

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Before there was Trophy Wife, there was Gold Deposit. And according to Byrdie's assistant beauty editor Maya Allen, it's been her go-to highlighter for years.

Cover FX Gold Bar Highlighting Palette $39

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"I profess my newfound love for this highlighting palette here, but in short, it's my new favorite discovery within a very long-winded obsession with highlighters. I can never have enough, yet I'm insanely picky."

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Moonstone $38

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Features editor Amanda Montell loves this (appropriately named) shimmering powder from Becca for a "lit-from-within" glow. 

Glossier Haloscope Face Highlighter in Quartz $22

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Another favorite highlighter of Amanda's, this one hailing from Glossier is packed with alluring and effortless-to-apply dewy pigment. 

Revlon Photoready Insta-fix Highlighting Stick $15

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To compromise on price point (but not shimmer payoff), managing editor Lindsey Metrus calls on this drugstore must-have from Revlon. 

Rituel de Fille Rare Light Luminizer $29

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Cruelty-free and made from 99% natural ingredients this Earth- and cheekbone-friendly luminizer also comes recommended from Lindsey. (Plus, Editorial Director Faith Xue is another huge fan.)

Nars Hot Sand Highlighting Blush $27

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This radiance-enhancing pick is senior editor Hallie Gould's poison of choice for a covetable glow pre-night out. 

RMS Beauty Living Luminizer $38

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When she seeks a glow that's not derived from powder (read: a tad dewier), Hallie reaches for this fan-favorite formula from organic beauty brand RMS. Oh, and it's also Meghan Markle's go-to. 

Looking for more makeup inspiration? Check out the 16 products our editors loved most last month.